She'll never be a great athlete, but at least she's enthusiastic

Today Taylor partcipated in a volleyball tournament at a local junior high (my junior high from some 20 years ago - that makes me sound ancient!- it was like walking back in time.) There were 10 teams from 5 schools participating, 5 girls and 5 boys teams.

Taylor is not very athletic. She likes to participate though, and isn't that's what important? In October and November she spent an hour after school every Tuesday learning handball to play in a tournament hosted by the U of A. Since December it has been volleyball. Shortly, softball will start. She played recreational softball for 2 years, she never once hit the ball, but did get walked quite often and spent entire games way out in outfield. But like I said enthusiastic.

Sophie and I went to watch. We missed the first game, which they won, but saw the other 3 as well as the playoff game. They lost all the other games. Taylor missed all her serves except for one, but she always cheered on her teammates. And when she scored a point she was beyond thrilled. She's very bouncy, my Taylor. It's like she can no longer walk once she hits the court, only skip. They ended up coming in fourth, because the one team they beat didn't win a single game. Our boys team came in third.

In other Taylor happenings, today she found out she made the team (well, team B) for the Journ@l Indoor g@mes, which is held at the U of A for elementary and junior high students from both school districts. She was so excited when she came home, jumping up and down. She tried out in both grades 4 and 5, but didn't make it. Most schools bring everyone who wants to go, but not ours.

Also today, a boy on her robotics team called her ugly. I don't if you've ever seen a picture of Taylor, I posted the proofs of her school photos back in Ocotber, you can see it here if you so desire, and if you do happen to look tell me is that ugly child? Sure she mightn't like to brush her hair on a daily basis, but she's not ugly. I was so offended and angry for her, especially considering the kid who said it. And quite terribly, the first thing I said was "And did you tell him what a loser he is?" No of course she didn't. She said it had been dealt with and I asked how. This school is not productive at all when it comes to dealing with kids who misbehave in any form at all. The teacher talked to him, which means absolutely nothing. I know I'm over reacting, it's just that it infuriates me so much. I was made fun of by one particular boy in Grade 5 and it is something I have never forgotten. I think it's even harder today, girls are bombarded by a certain ideal that most of them will never meet. It bothers me that you can make fun of a child, or call them names, and suffer no consequences. I am glad of course that Taylor did not sink to his level and call him a loser or a geek or whatever the term is these days. I am glad she spoke up when he was berating the team, which is why he turned on her. Apparently he has been spending time working on this program with his dad (rather his dad has been doing it) and will not share any of the information with the other kids. Today he forgot the program code and therefore could not do any work, which is what set him off. As a group they are so far behind that tomorrow they will find out if they are being pulled out of the competition. Last year our school won the team spirit award, I said to one mum today that there's no chance of that happening this year. It's been nothing but bickering.

Holy crap, that was a rant. Sorry!